PIERRE MCGUIRE'S: WEST

The five players set to make the biggest impact on their team's postseason performance include a sniper, an MVP candidate and a Cup-winning captain

Shea Weber

Nashville Predators

He presents the most feared matchup problem in the West. Weber is impressively mobile for his size (6'4", 234 pounds) and has a blistering shot—among the most intimidating in the league.

Corey Perry

Anaheim Ducks

His fearless, physical play around the net has translated into dozens of close-range goals, which make up the majority of his league-leading 46 this season. His relentless style drives opponents nuts.

Johan Franzen

Detroit Red Wings

At 6'3" and 218 pounds, he can absorb a lot of abuse in front of the enemy net—a key for the size-challenged Wings as the playoffs grind on. Franzen averages .47 goals per game in the postseason.

Daniel Sedin

Vancouver Canucks

A year ago he watched brother Henrik win the Hart Trophy. Daniel has made his own case for MVP this season, scoring 41 goals and leading the NHL with 100 points through Sunday.

Jonathan Toews

Chicago Blackhawks

Coming off an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup in 2010, the Blackhawks captain was the catalyst for Chicago's bounce back from a glacial start to the season. One of the league's most well-rounded players, the 22-year-old center leads his team with 75 points, seven game-winning goals and is +24 this year. The Blackhawks would be lost without him.

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BILL WIPPERT/NHLI/GETTY IMAGES (WEBER)

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HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES (PERRY)

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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (FRANZEN)

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ROBERT BECK (SEDIN)

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NAM Y. HUH/AP (TOEWS)